It is often essential to carefully scrutinize listing images to determine whether a classic is all the seller suggests. Such is the case with this 1979 Toyota Celica Supra. It features a fresh motor under the hood and appears to be rust-free. However, whether readers will consider it restored is debatable. It runs and drives well, and if the buyer decides to perform a cosmetic refresh, they could do so at their leisure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Toyota listed here on eBay in Springville, Utah. The seller set their BIN at $16,499 with the option to make an offer.
Toyota released its First Generation Supra for the 1979 model year. Based heavily on the existing Celica Liftback, the company extended the body forward of the windshield to accommodate a six-cylinder engine. North American dealers were particularly happy to see the Supra, as it provided them with a worthy competitor to Datsun’s 280Z. The seller states that this first-year example has a fascinating backstory, but fails to provide any information surrounding why its previous owner parked it around 1998. They describe the car as restored, although the apparent flaws and deterioration visible in the exterior shots suggest that they largely spent their money under the skin. Of course, I must emphasize that I am basing my assessment on three photos taken from a distance, so an in-person inspection may reveal that the Supra looks better than these shots suggest. The listing states that they refurbished the beautiful factory alloy wheels, and they sparkle in as-new condition. Otherwise, the Red Metallic paint is faded in several spots, appearing to exhibit mild deterioration on the front bumper. The trim below the back window has also aged, but is restorable. There are no visible dings or dents, and the seller states that this Supra is rust-free.
Lifting the Supra’s hood reveals the six-cylinder 2.6-liter 4M-E motor. Thankfully, the first owner teamed the six with a five-speed manual transmission, not the four-speed automatic that somewhat stifles performance and reduces the enjoyment of what Toyota marketed as a sports car. Power steering was standard fare on the ’79 Supra, as were four-wheel power disc brakes. The 4M-E placed 110hp and 135 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, with both figures lower than those generated by the 280ZX. We’ve reached the point where this Supra partially justifies its “restored” tag, and may help unlock part of the mystery of why the previous owner parked it in the 1990s. The seller has splashed plenty of cash on its revival since they became its custodian a year ago. They removed the original motor and replaced it with a fully rebuilt identical unit. While not stated, it is possible that an engine issue accounted for this classic’s decades-long hibernation. Those concerned about originality will welcome the news that the sale includes the numbers-matching engine block and other parts. The seller rebuilt many original items, such as the intake system, while replacing others, including the exhaust, fuel injectors, alternator, fuel pump, all hoses and filters, the clutch, and sundry smaller items too numerous to list. Potential buyers can consider the Supra a turnkey proposition, and the seller will provide evidence confirming that the odometer reading of 102,000 miles is genuine. The buyer also receives the original Owner’s Manual, Window Sticker, and other documentation.
While Toyota marketed the Celica Supra as a sports car, the interior equipment would justify it wearing a Grand Tourer label. This car features air conditioning, power windows, GT instrumentation, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt wheel, a rear window defogger, a four-speaker AM/FM stereo radio, and a cassette player as standard equipment. The first owner ticked the box next to cruise control on the Order Form, helping ensure fatigue-free long-distance cruising. I would describe this interior as serviceable, but it is far from what I would consider restored. The seatcovers have significant deterioration, with the back seat top sections particularly noticeable. The dashpad is cracked beneath the cover, the center armrest is split and cracked, and the tops of the door trims are succumbing to UV exposure. Most of the plastic looks good, which isn’t surprising, because Toyota was a market leader in plastic development during this period, with its interior trim pieces proving particularly hardy.
Although the seller describes this 1979 Toyota Celica Supra as restored, the images suggest it is actually a barn find that they revived after a decades-long slumber. Its lack of rust is positive news, as is its overall mechanical condition. The listing statistics suggest it has generated reasonable interest, but I do believe the seller’s BIN is optimistic. Therefore, only time will tell whether the interest translates into sales success. Do you believe the seller will get the price they are asking, or will they need to compromise to help this Supra find a new home?
Only 100k on the engine and gets replaced, I’d be curious as to why. Rust free claims are just that, claims, they probably mean rust through. I’ve looked at cars where they claim no rust and found rust, not bad, just surface rust.